Named Hosta of the Year for 2023, this commanding variety forms a strongly upright clump with immense, dark green foliage. The heart-shaped leaves are deeply veined and notably thick in texture, often exceeding 18" across. Reaching 5–6' wide at maturity, Empress Wu becomes a true centrepiece in shaded borders. In early to midsummer, tall scapes rise above the foliage bearing pale reddish-violet, bell-shaped flowers.